Assistant/Associate Professor of Industrial Design (Tenure-Track)

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

About The Position

The School of Art & Design at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applications for a full-time, nine-month tenure-track Assistant Professor or Associate Professor in Industrial Design, with rank based on qualifications, experience, and record of achievement. The appointment is paid over 12 months, with an expected start date of August 16, 2027. The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate education, student mentorship, curriculum development, service, and program advancement. The role emphasizes design research, scholarship, creative practice, and professional engagement. Candidates should combine industrial design core skills with a research agenda that advances knowledge, methods, and innovation while addressing human, technological, environmental, and societal challenges. Relevant areas include product and industrial design, product development and strategic foresight, color/material/finishing research, human-centered and experience design, design methods and innovation, emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, physical-digital products and interactive experiences, and manufacturing and advanced production systems. The Industrial Design program emphasizes human-centered design, visualization, prototyping, materials and manufacturing, systems thinking, critical inquiry, sustainability, emerging technologies, and responsible innovation. As part of a research university, the position offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across areas including engineering, computer science, business, healthcare, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and emerging technology initiatives. The College of Fine and Applied Arts and the School of Art & Design provide a collaborative environment for innovative teaching, scholarly inquiry, creative practice, and public engagement. The position is eligible for benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance; a retirement plan; paid time off; and tuition waivers for employees and dependents. The salary range is $78,000–$96,000, with Assistant Professor salaries of $78,000–$84,000 and Associate Professor salaries of $91,000–$96,000. Work-authorization sponsorship is available, except for sponsorship of a new H-1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.

Requirements

Terminal degree in Industrial Design (MFA in Industrial Design, Doctor of Design in industrial design, or PhD in Design, industrial design, or product design focused) or a closely related field.
Evidence of an emerging research, scholarly, and/or creative agenda.
Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and student mentorship.
Ability to contribute to undergraduate and graduate education.
Evidence of research, creative practice, or professional achievement relevant to industrial design.
For appointment as Associate Professor: established record of research, scholarship, and/or creative achievement; recognition appropriate to rank at the national or international level; and evidence of leadership in research, creative practice, or academic initiatives.

Nice To Haves

PhD in a discipline related to design.
Evidence of interdisciplinary research or creative collaboration.
Record of publications, exhibitions, patents, funded projects, or related accomplishments.
Experience teaching design studios and related coursework.
Expertise in emerging areas of industrial design research and practice.
Potential to secure external funding and develop collaborative initiatives.
For appointment as Associate Professor: significant interdisciplinary engagement; leadership in curriculum development and program advancement; and demonstrated scholarly, creative, or professional impact at national or international levels.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Industrial Design.
Mentor and advise students.
Contribute to curriculum development and program advancement.
Participate in service activities within the program, School, College, University, and profession.
Foster interdisciplinary collaborations across campus and beyond.
Maintain an active research, scholarly, and/or creative practice agenda.
Develop externally recognized contributions to the discipline.
Pursue externally funded research opportunities where appropriate.
Supervise graduate student research and creative activity.